1. Be honest about
who you are
If the conversation relates to our business
or our industry, you should identify yourself
as working for Ford Motor Company in
the content of your post/comment/other
content. Not only is this the ethical thing
to do, but in some countries, like the
U.S., there may be personal liability under
Federal Trade Commission regulations if
you don’t. Best practice is always to be
honest about who you are without giving
out detailed personal information.
Make it clear that
the views expressed
are yours
Include the following notice somewhere in
every social media profile you maintain: “I
work at Ford, but this is my own opinion
and is not the opinion of Ford Motor
Company.”
You speak for yourself,
but your actions reflect
those of Ford Motor
Company
Unless you have been authorized by
Communications, you cannot speak on
behalf of Ford Motor Company. Do not
portray yourself as a spokesperson, even
an “unofficial” spokesperson, on issues
relating to Ford Motor Company. Realize
that people may likely form an opinion
about the Company based on the behavior
of its personnel.
Use your common
sense
It’s good business practice for companies
(and individuals) to keep certain topics
confidential. Respect confidentiality.
Refrain from speculation on the future
of the Company and its products. Keep
topics focused to matters of public record
when speaking about the Company or
the automotive industry. Do not disclose
non-public Company information or the
personal information of others.
Mind your manners
Treat past and present co-workers, other
personnel, suppliers, consumers, partners,
competitors, Ford Motor Company, and
yourself with respect. Avoid posting
materials or comments that may be seen
as offensive, demeaning, inappropriate,
threatening, or abusive. Acknowledge
differences of opinion. Respectfully
withdraw from discussions that go off topic
or become profane.
The Internet is a
public space
Consider everything you post to the
Internet the same as anything you would
post to a physical bulletin board or
submit to a newspaper. Many eyes may
fall upon your words, including those of
reporters, consumers, your manager and
the competition. Assume that all of these
people will be reading every post, no matter
how obscure or secure the site to which
you are posting may seem.
The Internet remembers
Search engines and other technologies
make it virtually impossible to take
something back. Be sure you mean what
you say, and say what you mean.
An official response
may be needed
If you spot a potential issue and believe
an official Company response is needed,
bring it to the attention of a member of
the Communications team or the Legal
office before it reaches a crisis situation.
Potential issues can often be resolved
more effectively and efficiently if they are
identified quickly.
Respect the privacy of
offline conversations
Protect your co-workers and our partners
by refraining from sharing their personal
information or any conversations or
statements unless you have their written
permission to do so. Bringing someone
else into an online conversation without
their permission can be destructive to a
relationship, cause misunderstandings or
violate laws, commercial contracts and/or
confidentiality agreements.
Same rules and laws
apply: New medium,
no surprise
Due to the nature of the digital medium,
extra diligence is required in respecting
intellectual property (such as copyright and
trademark), financial disclosure laws, false
advertising and the like. Also, refer people
with vehicle or repair concerns to the
dealer or customer relations (Contact Ford
at http://www.ford.com/owner-services/
customer-support/contact-ford). If anyone
has a new idea for the Company, refer them
to “Your Ideas” on The Ford Story.
When in doubt, ask
If you have any questions about what is
appropriate, play it smart and check with
a member of the Communications team or
the Legal office before posting.
These guidelines are meant to provide a simple and clear guide to online communications for Ford
Motor Company personnel. For a more detailed look at the guidelines and potential implications
for failing to follow them, please visit our internal resources on HR Online or FordLaw.
We have advised our personnel to observe these guidelines when participating in an online conversation regarding
Ford or the automotive industry. These are a summary of our ethical policies. Ford personnel should refer to the
more detailed information available within the Company.
Ford Motor Company’s Digital Participation Guidelines
In brief, our guidelines for engaging
on the social Web consist of the
following core principles:
1. Honesty about
who you are
2. Clarity that your
opinions are your own
3. Respect and humility
in all communication
4. Good judgment in
sharing only public
information – including
financial data
5. Awareness that what
you say is permanent
Guidelines
08/2010